Former City of Del Rio Clerk Sentenced to Prison for Embezzlement
Ernesto Valdez, Jr., a former clerk in the City of Del Rio’s utility department, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison for embezzling more than $33,000 from the City.
The sentencing was handed down by United States District Judge Alia Moses, who also ordered Valdez to pay a total of $33,714 in restitution to the City of Del Rio, perform 300 hours of community service, and be placed on supervised release for a period of three years after completing his prison term.
According to the evidence presented, Valdez pleaded guilty to one count of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds. By pleading guilty, Valdez admitted that from September 2007 to June 2010, he pocketed approximately $17,000 in cash payments made by utility customers. Additionally, Judge Moses found that during that same time period, Valdez manipulated the billing account of a relative, thus making him liable for an additional $16,954 in free water services provided to that relative.
The investigation into Valdez’s embezzlement scheme was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Del Rio Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Todd R. Keagle prosecuted this case on behalf of the Government.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in government agencies. The City of Del Rio must now take steps to prevent such instances of embezzlement in the future.
Ernesto Valdez, Jr. remains on bond pending U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility designation.
Mandatory Facts: Defendant: Ernesto Valdez, Jr., Crime: Theft Concerning Programs Receiving Federal Funds, City and State: Del Rio, Texas, Date: March 2013, Sentence: 21 months in federal prison, restitution: $33,714.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: White Collar Crime|Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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